fuss

noun

\ ˈfəs

Definition of fuss

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : needless bustle or excitement They got down to business without any fuss.

b : a show of flattering attention made a big fuss over his favorite niece

2a : a state of agitation especially over a trivial matter in a fuss and stew all afternoon— Molly L. Bar-David

b : objection, protest She accepted the new assignment without any fuss.

c : an often petty controversy or quarrel the fuss they are raising … over certain words and phrases— B. J. Hendricks

fuss

verb

fussed; fussing; fusses

Definition of fuss (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

1a : to create or be in a state of restless activity especially : to shower flattering attentions fussing over the grandchildren

b : to pay close or undue attention to small details fussed with her hair

2a : to become upset : worry

b : to express annoyance or pique : complain

transitive verb

: agitate, upset

Other Words from fuss Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about fuss

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Examples of fuss in a Sentence

Noun

They got down to business without any fuss. What is all the fuss about? Her new novel has caused quite a fuss. I don't want to make a fuss, but this soup is cold.

Verb

She'll fuss the whole time we're gone. I told him not to fuss. The baby fussed all day. Stop fussing and get to work! He's fussing about his new assignment.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

It’s basically built around one man, LeBron James, but nobody’s raising a fuss. — Bruce Jenkins, San Francisco Chronicle, "Warriors-Cavs, Round 4: Good riddance to Rockets — and bring on LeBron," 29 May 2018 All the fuss seemed worth it when Aguilar watched Two Thirty Five prevail at the wire. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Day in the life of a groom on the Del Mar backstretch," 24 Aug. 2019 One of the seed-marketers in Mumbwa laments that more fuss is not made about payouts like the one Mr Chomba received. — The Economist, "The poor, who most need insurance, are least likely to have it," 22 Aug. 2019 The family gets homemade cookies without a lot of fuss or mess. — Heloise, Washington Post, "Hints From Heloise: For cooking veggies, remember how they grow," 14 Aug. 2019 The versatile piece also happens to have wrinkle-resistant GoWeave fabric, making it an essential for anyone who is looking to eliminate fuss from their fashion existence. — Roxanne Adamiyatt, Town & Country, "Meghan Markle Wore an Everlane Jumpsuit for Her Vogue Video Feature," 31 July 2019 Summer calls for effortless dressing, items that breathe, are no fuss and still make a chic statement. — Melissa Magsaysay, chicagotribune.com, "The best summer dresses — all under $100," 29 July 2019 Residents of one Willow Glen neighborhood are celebrating their inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places by opening their homes so the public can see what the fuss is about. — Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, "Willow Glen Eichler owners celebrate their place in national history," 11 Aug. 2019 He was saved when a curious motorist asked what the fuss was about. — Will Larkin, chicagotribune.com, "Ranking the 100 best Bears players ever: No. 28, George Trafton," 8 Aug. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Techies often boast that they are less fussed about owning and acquiring things, which make tight quarters more bearable. — The Economist, "How robotic furniture will improve our lives," 23 Aug. 2019 Roommates at the University of Georgia fussed over whose bed would be closer to the aromatherapy station. — Leslie Anne Tarabella, al, "If you give a co-ed a chandelier," 13 Aug. 2019 In her five years as my lady-in-waiting, she’s taken every moment possible to fuss over me, as protective as my parents. — David Canfield, EW.com, "First look: Next year's biggest YA fantasy could be All the Stars and Teeth," 2 July 2019 Anchorage-San Francisco: Alaska Air is fussing over all things California lately. — Scott Mcmurren, Anchorage Daily News, "Do you like cheap plane tickets? You’re in luck this month," 22 June 2019 Not long ago, Democrats were fussing over the wisdom of even nominating another woman to face Donald Trump given Hillary Clinton’s defeat in 2016. — Jason L. Riley, WSJ, "Elizabeth Warren May Be the New Adlai Stevenson," 18 June 2019 To add some comic punch, Gyllenhaal does a lot of business — fussing with the stage lights and even venturing out into the auditorium. — Kyle Smith, National Review, "On Broadway, a Stagy Kind of Mourning," 9 Aug. 2019 At the funeral, as the crowd fussed over Jyoti’s fate, Subbu faced Giri’s corpse and made a proclamation. — Abhijith Ravinutala, chicagotribune.com, "2019 Algren Awards: Finalist: Definition(s)," 20 July 2019 Too many side issues — the White House visit, Dustin Pedroia’s status, Steven Wright being suspended, fussing for weeks over whether to keep Blake Swihart, etc. — Peter Abraham, BostonGlobe.com, "David Price and Dennis Eckersley should meet — and get this over with," 18 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fuss.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.